What is an ocean monument?

An ocean monument is a large structure that you'll only find out in deep sea. It is about three times larger than the temples you'll find in deserts, and it is made primarily from a special block called 'prismarine' that is teal in color and can be mined with a pickaxe.

Ocean monuments are sort of U-shaped, with the treasure room located somewhere inside — an ocean monument's internal layout is completely random, so you'll feel like you're in a labyrinth. The halls are lit by sea lanterns, which you can collect if you have a Silk Touch enchanted tool. Mining sea lanterns with anything else will simply drop prismarine crystals.

What is an Elder Guardian?

There are two types of mobs that spawn within an ocean monument: Guardians and Elder Guardians.

Guardians resemble one-eyed fish with orange spikes sticking out of them. They swim very fast, have a decent amount of health, and can shoot laser beams. If you attack them when their orange spikes are visible, you will receive damage. These foes should not be taken lightly, especially because the effectiveness of your sword and bow are lessened by the water. Guardians, when killed, will usually drop some prismarine shards and some raw fish.

Elder Guardians are much more difficult to beat. They have more health, a stronger laser beam attack, the same thorns-style defense, and they can cast the Mining Fatigue spell. These enemies should be dealt with first, if possible, when dealing with an ocean monument. Elder Guardians, when killed, will normally drop a couple prismarine shards, some raw fish, and a sponge.

How do I find an ocean monument?

Your best bet for finding an ocean monument is to craft a boat and set sail on the open sea. Do this at night time, as the sea lanterns will give off some light to help locate the monument.

The Elder Guardians who inhabit the ocean monument cast a spell called Mining Fatigue when you enter within sight — normally Elder Guardians spawn inside the ocean monument, but they will sometimes spawn outside. If you're sailing around and get hit with Mining Fatigue, you'll know that you're close. Your best bet is to retreat and prepare yourself for the adventure ahead.

How to prepare for an ocean monument

Ocean monuments are tough to deal with — you will want to wait until you have a good base going on land, including an enchanting table, brewing stand, and plenty of diamond.

Craft diamond armor — iron armor might also work in a pinch, but diamond is definitely best. Enchant your helmet with Respiration so that you can hold your breath longer, and enchant your boots with Depth Strider so you can move faster underwater.

Bring a sword — diamond is best, especially if it is enchanted with something offensive like Sharpness. Bows don't work great underwater, but bring one with plenty of arrows anyway in case you need it.

Crafting potions at a brewing stand is pretty much necessary to deal with the Guardians and Elder Guardians. Bring these potions:

Potion of Water Breathing: Lets you breathe underwater.

Potion of Healing: Restores health.

Potion of Invisibility: Makes you invisible to the mobs.

Potion of Swiftness: Helps you move underwater.

Potion of Night Vision: Lets you see better if sea lanterns are not plentiful.

Bringing a bunch of signs is also a great idea. Placing signs on walls will create an air pocket where you can catch your breath between battles.

What does an ocean monument contain?

Why go to all the trouble of enchanting tools and brewing potions? Treasure! Ocean monuments contain eight gold blocks at the center; each block contains nine gold ingots, so that's 72 gold ingots in total! If you're in the business of creating a railroad, this will certainly help with powered tracks.

Ocean monuments also contain sponges, which can be used to absorb water blocks to help dry out ponds, lakes, or larger areas where you'd like to build. Sea lanterns can be mined with a tool enchanted with Silk Touch, and you'll receive plenty of prismarine blocks and prismarine crystals.

Are you up to the challenge?

Will you be actively searching for ocean monuments when the Boss Update hits? Lets us know in the comments section below!

Reader comments

Ocean monuments and how to find them in Minecraft: Windows 10 and Xbox One

You failed to mention the #1 most useful tip. Bring cows. Milk cures mining fatigue which allows you to tear apart the temple to get at things more easily. Also, I bring 4 or 5 stacks of sand to help clear water, as well as pressure plates in addition to signs. Filling rooms with sand, curing the mining fatigue, then clearing sand allows you to control the battle and not fight underwater at all.

It's not that sand soaks up the water, it's that it displaces it. And you can drop it into areas to remove the water. But that method only works if you can easily cure the mining fatigue because removing all that sand and reusing it would take far too long otherwise.